Magic Realism is an artistic style applied to various types of arts such as literature, painting, film, and new media. Magic Realism applied to visual arts became popular in the US and Europe from 1920 to 1940. Technically, this movement lies between Surrealism and Photorealism, with its subject oftentimes rendered with photographic naturalism.

History

The term Magic Realism was first used by Franz Roh in his book ‘After Expressionism: Magic Realism: Problems of the Newest European Painting’. From then on, many artists, critics, and scholars curated Roh’s ideas and molded it to how Magic Realism is accepted today. Such curators included Gustav Hartlaub, Irene Guenthe, and Massimo Bontempelli. After these experts integrated their views, Magic Realism art was fully embraced by German and Italian painters.
It did not take long until American visual artists followed suit. As a matter of fact, it was they who coined the term magical realists. Furthermore, there was once an exhibition at the New York Museum of Modern Art entitled ‘American Realists and Magic Realists’. It was believed that Pierre Roy was the reason why Franz Roh’s formulations spread to the United States.1

Style

When magic realism was applied to visual arts, it showcases extreme realism when mundane subjects are depicted. This creates an interior mystery to the subject, instead of showing the external and overtly magical feature of everyday reality. Additionally, Magic Realism art also showcases a return to ordinary subjects instead of the fantastical ones; exhibits the concurrence of a sense of distance with forward movements; and uses miniature details in expansive paintings.

Famous Artworks

Three of the famous artworks influenced by Magic Realism art are Alexander Kanoldt’s ‘Still Life II’ (1922), Paul Cadmus’ ‘The Fleet’s In!’ (1934), and Frida Kahlo’s ‘Suicide of Dorothy Hale’. The works of the artists influenced by Magic Realism have found its way around the famous galleries of the world.